By Chelsea Greeno, PMHNP-BC
All of us can say we have special children in our lives, whether they are our own children or family members or friend’s children. It’s really important that we pay attention to children’s mental health so they can grow up to be emotionally, socially and physically healthy.
There continues to be some feelings of anxiety about being in school post pandemic after years of virtual education and online learning. We work with families to help find a plan to support the child to get back in the classroom with some assistance, so they don’t feel alone at school and get them back to where they need to be academically and socially. It’s a partnership between us, the schools and families. Despite some of these difficulties, children and families have shown immense resilience, motivation and continued progress towards personal goals which may include completion of school, improved relationships with families and peers and entering the workforce.
Thinking ahead to summer vacation months, it’s important to recognize that kids will be experiencing more change and additional transitions. Most children and teens thrive on routine, so making sure there is a new sense of predictability in the summer is important.
It’s never too early to consider how children will experience the summer months. While at school they may be receiving regular support and routine. Summer vacation can be filled with many fun experiences and activities and making sure our youth feel supported and valued is imperative.
Some suggestions for your summer plans can include:
- Being active with regular time outside and in-person activities
- Camps and clubs – many community sponsored ones are available
- Continuing to keep up with sleep hygiene/routine to better transition to other life events
- Being mindful of screen time
- Setting at least one reasonable goal for self-daily can be helpful
- Encourage older children to volunteer and engage in their community
- Creation of routines to aid with consistency
- Reserve quality time to observe and check in with your children
- Reach out for support if needed
Rutland county offers a variety of activities, including fun things that go on in the summertime, such as Come Alive Outside’s summer passport. It’s a fun and free way to plan outdoor activities with a child, grandchild, friend or as a family.
Having summer fun is a memorable way for kids to grow into healthy, happy, confident adults and have a positive quality of life all year long.
Chelsea Greeno, PMHNP-BC, is a Pediatric Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Community Health. She works with a team of behavioral health practitioners serving children ages 5 to 21 and their families.